Just a cough or Whooping Cough?

When it comes to spotting the difference between “just a cough” and whooping cough, it may not be as easy.

1. What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is a highly contagious disease caused by bacteria that can be very serious in adults and potentially fatal in infants. At first, it can seem just like a regular cough or cold but the illness can get worse. It can include a persistent, hacking cough severe enough to cause vomiting and even break ribs. Whooping cough can last up to 3 months or more and some patients require hospitalization.

2. How contagious and common is whooping cough?

Whooping cough is highly contagious disease that can be spread through coughing or sneezing. It is estimated that there may be up to 600,000 cases of adult whooping cough in the US each year.

3. What can I do to protect myself?

Because whooping cough immunity can fade over time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a single dose of Tdap vaccine for people ages 11 to 64. Tdap is a tetanus and diphtheria (pertussis). So, in one step, you can get protection against all three diseases.

Do these initial symptoms mean whooping cough or ‘just a cough/cold’?

*Sneezing

*Runny nose

*Fever

*Mild cough

The answer can be both! At first glance, the difference may be hard to spot. Help protect yourself with Tdap.

You could be at risk for whooping cough (pertussis).

*Childhood vaccination may not protect you as an adult. Immunity can fade over time.

*Whooping cough is highly contagious.

*It is estimated that whooping cough affects up to 600,000 US adults each year.

*Symptoms can last up to 3 months or more with serious consequences for adults and infants.

Ask your doctor about whooping cough protection today.

Learn more at HelpPreventWhoopingCough.com.

*Brought to you as a public health service by GSK-GlaxoSmithKline.

Disclaimer: This information was from the GlaxoSmithKline pamphlet. Please call or email the company for more information.